Although there is minimal evidence that mobile phones being used in petrol stations can cause fires, the government has passed a regulation that will fine people who break the ruling VND2-5 million (USD96-240).

Mobile phone users in petrol station face fines

The new regulations on fire safety that will go into effect on August 5 say that heat or flame generating equipment are banned from flammable areas such as petrol stations, petrol shops or storage depots.

Mobile phones as well as other electronic gadgets like cameras or radios are also on the banned list.

If people are caught using mobile phone in petrol stations, fire and police departments or local authorities will record and issue fines.

A fine of VND2 million can be issued by the head of the police department or chairman of commune or town People's Committee.

A fine of VND5 million will be issued by higher authorities such as the head of Fire Prevention and Fighting, Rescue and Salvage Police Department, head of the Police Department of Administration and Social Order, head of Traffic Police Department or provincial authorities.

The previous regulation issued in 2005 only stated that using heat or fire generating equipment within a dangerous zone would face fines of just VND200,000-500,000. The fines have increased ten fold in the new regulations and mobile phones have been classified as heat generating and potentially explosive equipment.